to the lack of interest on the part of these to focus on original research. This despite the much lower costs of such research in India. The industry which thrived on the protection of a closed economy and the advantage of a vast domestic market, has failed to organise its evolution on healthy lines

March end, Dr T Ramasami relinquished charge as Secretary, Department of Science & Technology. TR took with him to Delhi a reputation heading the Central Leather Research Institute with great distinction. Particularly impressive was his addressing the issue of tannery effluents ensuring zero discharge of effluents and preparing leather exporters to adapt to global fashion trends.

A chronic bachelor TR spent long hours at Technology Bhavan, headquarters of DST and worked hard to get priority for science. He introduced the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) programme to kindle interest in science. For decades, there had been a lot of focus on pursuing higher studies in engineering and medicine to the neglect of science. TR’s initiatives resulted in massively expanding funding for pursuits in science, addressing the issue right from school education and extending it upto research for doctorates. Such interest has not been witnessed at Technology Bhavan in recent years. One, however, wished TR had continued to lend his services to the new government.

IE, the business magazine from south was launched in 1968 and pioneered business journalism in south. Through the 45 years IE has been focusing on well-presented and well-researched articles. When giants in the industry stumbled to keep pace with the digital revolution, IE stayed affixed embracing technology.